Justice Department Sues Mississippi Over Mental Health

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the state of Mississippi Thursday.

Attorney General Jim Hood says the Justice Department’s lawsuit over mental health services should be a wakeup call. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Jackson.

Hood admits improvements are needed in expanding the availability of community-based mental health programs. But he says he refused to accept a proposed settlement that would have headed off the lawsuit because it would have given the federal government permanent oversight of the state’s mental health system.

“When individuals with mental illness receive the services they need, they are better able to find meaningful work, secure stable housing, build personal relationships, and avoid involvement with the criminal justice system,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement.

The Justice Department says the lack of community-based services forces patients to seek treatment in state hospitals making the lawsuit necessary forcing the state to provide more adequate mental health services.

Russ Jones is the Editor-In-Chief for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.